UK: Adverse winter weather forecast across much of the country through at least Feb. 10

Adverse winter weather conditions are forecast across much of the UK through at least Feb. 10. Periods of snowfall, other mixed wintry precipitation, cold temperatures, and icy conditions are expected across central and northern parts of the UK over the coming days, with heavy rainfall forecast across parts of southern Wales and southern England Feb. 8-9. The heaviest snowfall is expected across elevated areas of north Wales and north-central England Feb. 8, where snowfall accumulations of 10-25 cm (4-10 inches) are possible. The UK Health Security Agency has issued a yellow health alert for cold temperatures across central and northern England through late Feb. 9. Hazardous travel conditions are likely in many areas due to icy conditions and reduced visibility caused by blowing snow; authorities may close roads and/or suspend rail services in the worst-affected areas.

The UK Met Office has issued the following weather warnings across the country Feb. 7-10:

• Amber snow warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Parts of northern Wales and north-central England Feb. 8.

• Yellow snow and ice warnings: Parts of northern Scotland including the Orkney and Shetland Islands Feb. 7-8; across Northern Ireland and parts of central and southern Scotland, northern Wales, and central and northern England Feb. 8-9; and parts of central and northern Scotland Feb. 9-10.

• Yellow heavy rain warnings: Across much of southern England and parts of southern Wales Feb. 8-9.

Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.

In addition to the wintry precipitation, strong wind gusts could lead to periods of blowing and drifting snow. Sporadic power outages are likely throughout affected areas.

The winter weather will likely cause ground and air transport disruptions in areas under snow and ice warnings over the coming days. Traffic and commercial trucking delays are possible along regional highways. Difficult and potentially dangerous driving conditions are also likely on secondary and rural roadways in the affected states as maintenance crews prioritize clearing major routes. Authorities could close stretches of highway if driving conditions become too hazardous. Gusty winds may threaten to topple high-profile vehicles throughout the affected area. Flight delays and cancellations are likely due to ground stops and deicing operations at airports in regions where heavy snow and/or extreme cold temperatures are forecast.